I'm working on a project and need to describe the "apron" area of an airport. However, my co-authors are convinced that apron is a very industry-specific term and not something an average person can define or recognize. Can anyone provide a synonym to "apron" that non-airport enthusiasts would easily recognize?

... my co-authors are convinced that apron is a very industry-specific term and not something an average person can define or recognize.

Yes, "apron" is industry specific, but not just the aviation industry. It's use goes back further than that.

Apron, a ramp used to connect shoreside facilities with a barge or ferry, also known as a linkspan.Lol, there is that pesky word "ramp" again! (Probably because it is an American English definition.)

Apron, an area of pavement on a motorsport circuit that separates the racing surface from the infieldAnother American English definition; in England, a pavement is something else, and we only use "infield" in a specific cricket context. That's the game where each man that’s in the side that’s in goes out, and when he’s out he comes in.

All joking aside, if you incorporate the term into a sentence such as "...the planes park on the apron", anybody who cannot put 2 + 2 together, shouldn't be reading your paper.But above all else, if you are publishing your project in the US, use "ramp". If you are addressing the rest of the world, use the correct term "apron".

There are two things that happen when you get old.1. You start to lose your memory.2. What was I saying again?

... my co-authors are convinced that apron is a very industry-specific term and not something an average person can define or recognize.

Yes, "apron" is industry specific, but not just the aviation industry. It's use goes back further than that.

Apron, a ramp used to connect shoreside facilities with a barge or ferry, also known as a linkspan.Lol, there is that pesky word "ramp" again! (Probably because it is an American English definition.)

Apron, an area of pavement on a motorsport circuit that separates the racing surface from the infieldAnother American English definition; in England, a pavement is something else, and we only use "infield" in a specific cricket context. That's the game where each man that’s in the side that’s in goes out, and when he’s out he comes in.

All joking aside, if you incorporate the term into a sentence such as "...the planes park on the apron", anybody who cannot put 2 + 2 together, shouldn't be reading your paper.But above all else, if you are publishing your project in the US, use "ramp". If you are addressing the rest of the world, use the correct term "apron".

Aircraft stand. A designated area on an apron intended to be used for parking an aircraft.

Apron. A defined area, on a land aerodrome, intended to accommodate aircraft for purposes of loading or unloading passengers, mail or cargo, fuelling, parking or maintenance.

Apron management service. A service provided to regulate the activities and the movement of aircraft and vehicles on an apron.

Landing area. That part of a movement area intended for the landing or take-off of aircraft.

Manoeuvring area. That part of an aerodrome to be used for the take-off, landing and taxiing of aircraft, excluding aprons.

Movement area. That part of an aerodrome to be used for the take-off, landing and taxiing of aircraft, consisting of the manoeuvring area and the apron(s).

Road. An established surface route on the movement area meant for the exclusive use of vehicles.

Runway. A defined rectangular area on a land aerodrome prepared for the landing and take-off of aircraft.

Shoulder. An area adjacent to the edge of a pavement so prepared as to provide a transition between the pavement and the adjacent surface.

Taxiway. A defined path on a land aerodrome established for the taxiing of aircraft and intended to provide a link between one part of the aerodrome and another, including:

a) Aircraft stand taxilane. A portion of an apron designated as a taxiway and intended to provide access to aircraft stands only.

b) Apron taxiway. A portion of a taxiway system located on an apron and intended to provide a through taxi-route across the apron.

c) Rapid exit taxiway. A taxiway connected to a runway at an acute angle and designed to allow landing aeroplanes to turn off at higher speeds than are achieved on other exit taxiways thereby minimizing runway occupancy times.

Taxiway intersection. A junction of two or more taxiways.

Taxiway strip. An area including a taxiway intended to protect an aircraft operating on the taxiway and to reduce the risk of damage to an aircraft accidentally running off the taxiway.